Transient occurrence of magnetic loops in the magnetotail

A detailed analysis of Explorer 34 magnetometer data indicates that during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity (Kp> or =3) localized regions of the magnetotail are disrupted by magnetic turbulence whose signature is consistent with the presence of closed looplike structures. These turbulent features, which exhibit rapid fluctuations in both the magnitude and the direction of the field, occur at irregular intervals and last no longer than a few hours. They have not been observed for Kp<3 and do not appear to dominate the magnetotail field geometry even during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity